Thanks to your sleight of hand, the kids are finally eating their veggies. But after months of turning cauliflower into mashed potatoes, the Houdini act is getting old.

Clive Berkman, Houston chef and author of Creating Empty Bottle Moments, says the trick to expanding picky palates is involving, not deceiving them. Here’s how:

1. Plan together. Ask for menu suggestions or preparation preferences (like baked or grilled) so they feel included in the decision process.

2. Spark curiosity. The produce section is full of bright colors and fun textures. Play games. How many red vegetables do you see? Let’s find something you’ve never had and try it for dinner.

3. Explain quality. Teach little noses to identify ripe fruit and little hands to find bruises.

4. Prepare together. Forget perfect and put them to (age-appropriate) work, so they’ll be excited about mealtime creations.

Voila! A clean plate.

To get more from chef Clive Berkman, go to cookingwithclive.com.

FIND
Eggs
What: Outdoor bounce house and play areas for toddlers, plus an egg hunt and activities for big sibs.
Why: It’s eggstra special.
When: Sat., 9 a.m.-noon.
Where: Dallas Texins Activity Center, 13900 N. Central Expwy. (214-567-3777). Enter at gate 1 or 6. Must have valid photo ID. 

READ
A Picture Book of Rosa Parks
What: Children (ages 2-8) read about the courage of Rosa Parks during a story hour honoring women in history.
Why: Let’s hear it for the girls.
When: Wed., 10-11 a.m.
Where: The Women’s Museum, 3800 Parry Ave., Fair Park (214-915-0862).

STRETCH
Kids Yoga
What: Young yogis (ages 3-10) get bent into shape.
Why: Breathe easy.
When: Fri., 4:15-5 p.m.
Where: Go Yoga, 1908 Abrams Pkwy. (214-515-9642).